Do you run your own company? If you do, how old is your company?
I’ve been freelancing since 1998.My first comic was published in Ujang Magazine when I was a 15 year old high-school student still studying at S.M.K Seksyen 18. So you could say I’ve been involved with comics and illustration for around 10 years now. Since then I’ve also worked on character designs for educational books, large scale murals and wall art as well as children’s books. I still freelance, but I now work with an agent for greater efficiency. You can check out my blog at http://sarah-joan.blogspot.com .
What makes you start this career? Any influence or stories behind it?
Drawing and reading have always been my two greatest passions. I showed an interest and ability in both areas at an early age. There’s a creative streak running in both sides of my family. My mother is very good with words and ideas and my father can draw well.
As for drawing as a career, my mother is my greatest influence. She spent a lot of time with my siblings and I as young children, something she would not have been able to achieve with a regular 9 to 5 job. (She now runs her own business, a Kindergarten/ Nursery).
I decided that I would develop my talent and career in art because it was something I enjoyed and it allows me the option to work from home, if need be, and be there for my husband and children. As the mother of a 6 month old baby now, I’m glad I stuck with that decision.
How and what is the process to become a cartoonist like you?
You’ll be surprised to learn that I was in the Science stream in high school, not Arts! So I studied Biology, Physics etc. But I was always confident my passion for drawing would lead me somewhere.
When I was about 15 years old, Ujang comic magazine was very popular. There were no female artists in Ujang Magazine then. I used to daydream about being the first female artist to contribute to the magazine. One day I flipped open the magazine, and there it was, a female artist! I was thrilled, but also rather annoyed that someone beat me to it. So I resolved to be the youngest comic artist published by the magazine…
What does it takes to become a cartoonist and what are the criteria?
I (nervously) made a phone call to the studio and asked if someone there would see my drawings. They were very nice and invited me to come over for a visit. I gathered whatever drawings I had and, in school uniform, met with the top people at the time ( Petai , Kobis Bunga , Gayour).
They were very kind and gave comments on my work as well as criticism. They made it clear that if I was to be published I would need to improve and develop my art and storytelling.
Over the next few months I would visit the studio on the weekends and was kindly mentored by such great artists such as Aie ( Aku Hidup dalam Blues ) and Nik ( Hikayat Tandoori Payat). Some of the artists now draw in G3 magazine.
One day I received the good news that they would finally publish one of my stories. It was great, but nothing compared to seeing my comic in print for all to read. I still love that feeling until today.
How long have you been a cartoonist?
I’ve been freelancing since 1998.My first comic was published in Ujang Magazine when I was a 15 year old high-school student still studying at S.M.K Seksyen 18. So you could say I’ve been involved with comics and illustration for around 10 years now.
What makes you passionate about the work?
I love having full control over the creative process. Unless I am collaborating with someone, I do everything myself, including the storyline, script, dialogue, layout and inking of the artwork. It becomes an original creation and extension of me. Sharing that energy with others, getting feedback is very satisfying.
How does it feel to be working as a cartoonist? Does your work reflect your life?
Balancing life and work is a constant challenge. I used to take my own sweet time drawing, when the ‘mood’ struck me. Now the demands of motherhood and household chores, as well as project deadlines, has forced me to manage my time better in order to achieve the goals I have set for myself.
The comics I create are often inspired by my own memories and experiences in life. For example, my first comic “ Awek Aspuri” featured fictional characters, but was based on my time in boarding school, and featured dormitories, ‘gotong-royong’ as well as petty boy-girl rivalries.
Has there been any memorable experience throughout your work experience that you would like to share?
I’m constantly pleased to meet people who have read my comics. The most surprising one happened a few years back. There was a serious gentleman in I met during the OIC conference in putrajaya. The last place I was expecting to find comic enthusiasts. When I told him my name, he asked me if I used to draw for Ujang. When I said yes he called all his friends nearby and made a big fuss over me! A lot of Malaysians really enjoy their comics, and are not shy about showing it.
More recently, being chosen to represent Malaysia during the international Lingua Comic Asia-Europe Comic Project in London was a fantastic experience. I’m really happy that my passion for comics could bring the opportunity to travel abroad and expand my horizons further. I saw how in other countries such as France and Italy, comics are considered not only entertainment, but as a form of art on the same level as film or literature.
What particular changes do you think you have contributed most significantly to in this industry?
You’ll have to ask someone else about this! I really don’t know. But I hope I will contribute more significantly to the industry in the coming months and years.
How do you make yourself stand out in this male-dominated industry?
Whether you’re a male or female in this industry, it’s your talent and professionalism that’s going to get you places. Being a female, I am aware makes me stand out in this industry. It can be an advantage! I do my best to attend and participate in as many industry related events as they are great opportunities to network and meet interesting new people.
10.How do you balance your life?
As I mentioned earlier, it’s a challenge. Fortunately, I have people in my life, such as my wonderful husband, to help and advise me.
11. How do you spend your free time? What will you do to make yourself feel better?
At home I enjoy reading, relaxing with the baby and talking to my husband. If we go out,
I like browsing bookstores like MPH or Kinokuniya.
Listening to music and reading motivational books always makes me feel better. Once in a while I’ll do something nice for myself, like treat myself to something small like a new tudung or brooch, or maybe a meal out.